So I'm sitting in a meeting today and someone passes me a note that a co-workers car was destroyed by a Ford Explorer that caught fire in the parking garage.

During the meeting someone else makes an offhand remark, "you do know that your car is across the bay from the Explorer, don't you?" So I sit there on pins and needles until the meeting is over and then run outside to see if there is any damage to my S2000.

There is no light in the garage as the fire had incinerated the overhead wiring, so I have to borrow a flashlight from one of the building engineers who had just finished putting out the flames. A quick inspection indicates no damage.... I was worried about the heat melting some of the plastic, but everything is fine other than the car is covered in soot.

Looking at my co-workers car, which was parked next to the Explorer, was really depressing. It was a fairly new Outback and it was totaled by the flames. All the plastic on the side melted, most of the glass blown out, tires melted, airbags deployed, paint stripped off, etc. There was a curtain of plastic which had oozed out of the bottom of the door and then hardened before it hit the ground. No question about it being totaled, it's a mess.

On the other side was another co-workers Civic, and it's damaged, but not anywhere near as badly. I have a feeling his won't be totaled, but the car is going to reek of smoke as the drivers window was shattered. Don't envy his problem.

This was a first generation Explorer, which as I recall were fondly referred to as Ford Exploder's due to their propensity to immolate themselves. I have a feeling the owners insurance coverage was minimal meaning my two co-workers will have to claim this on their comprehensive.

On my way out my co-worker was talking to the tow truck operator who couldn't even get the truck in the garage. They were going to have to bring out a dolly and wheel the car out before hoisting in on the flat bed. Fun stuff.

She had a really bad day. I felt for her, but was inwardly happy that Jessica was safe!

 

Glad your ride is ok. If the car isn't Italian, it has no business catching fire so the Ford has some explaining to do.

 

I can only imagine how long that meeting must have been... I'm glad everything is okay with you S2000 though. I don't know if I'd have been able to pay much attention during the meeting worrying like crazy.

 

Didn't say I was paying attention

When the thing was over I ran out so quickly several people asked if I was ok later

 

Burning vehicles/potential burning vehicles qualifies as a bona fide excuse to immediately exit and see if the situation is stabilized. That is a physical threat to property and people.